Having moved to Alicante six months ago, let me share the language situation here. Many friends planning to come here ask the same question: what language is actually spoken in Alicante? The answer is actually more complex than you might think.
Official Language Situation
Alicante is located in the Valencian Community, where there are two official languages: Spanish and Valencian. Valencian is actually a variant of Catalan, but locals prefer to call it Valencian. However, in actual use, Spanish is absolutely dominant, especially in Alicante city center.
Language Use in Daily Life
Based on my observations over the past six months, the city center and coastal areas are basically all Spanish. Going to supermarkets, restaurants, and government offices, Spanish works perfectly fine. Valencian appears more in Alicante language schools on road signs, official documents, and some formal occasions. Inland towns may have higher usage rates of Valencian at Alicante public language schools, but as a tourist city, Spanish is definitely sufficient in Alicante.
Below is a comparison of language usage scenarios I’ve compiled:
| Scenario | Spanish | Valencian | English |
|---|
| City center shops | Primary | Occasional | Common |
| Government offices | Primary | Official documents | Rare |
| Restaurants and bars | Primary | Very rare | Common in tourist areas |
| Public transport | Primary | Bilingual signage | Rare |
English Proficiency in Alicante
To be honest, don’t have too high expectations for English. Young people and service staff in tourist areas speak decent English, but in regular shops, markets, and clinics, English really doesn’t work well. I had quite a few difficulties when I first arrived, so I recommend learning at least basic Spanish. However, restaurants along the seafront promenade and in the old town have English menus and English-speaking service due to the high number of tourists.
Language Advice for Foreigners
If you plan to live in Alicante long-term, learning Spanish is essential. You can gradually learn about Valencian, but it’s not necessary. I enrolled in a Spanish course, twice a week, and after three months I could handle daily communication without problems. The people here are actually very friendly; even if you don’t speak well, they’ll listen patiently, unlike some places that are more critical.
I also recommend several learning resources: the city government offers free language courses, and libraries have language exchange activities. I now participate in a language exchange once a week, have met many local friends, and am making good progress. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to speak up; practice makes perfect.
The language environment in Alicante is quite friendly to foreigners, with Spanish as the main language, English usable in tourist areas, and understanding Alicante language being sufficient. I hope this information helps friends planning to come here.
